One day, according to tradition, Mary went to school with her little lamb, and "It made the children laugh and play/To see a lamb at school."

But on Friday October 31 Jorden and Jaden Watts went to school with Captain Hook and won first prize for the Best Family Costume category in the Gilbert Institute Parade of Characters, hosted by the school's Parent-Teacher Association. Rather than dress in the traditional Halloween ghouls and ghosties costumes, the children were encouraged to dress as their favourite storybook character, and teachers and parents were invited to join in the fun. "The PTA felt this would get kids more excited about their reading books," stated Suzanne DeCouto, PTA president, "and how appropriate it was to be on Halloween."

Wanting a book that would feature three different characters suitable for her three children, Lisa Watts decided upon the story of Peter Pan, and Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell costumes were purchased for her three children. As the eldest is now attending TN Tatem Middle School, Jaden (Tinkerbell) and Jorden (Peter Pan) were accompanied by their mum instead of their older brother, and the trio came away with three tickets to a film at the Little Theatre. As a former PTA member and regular collector of children on the school run, Mrs. Watts is a familiar face on the school campus, but on Friday turned heads in her unusual attire.

Students were intrigued to see a parent in costume and had a number of questions about the make-up and costume design.

During the parade, each class was asked to take a turn around the assembly hall and show their book and costume to the judges, Glen Jones from the BLING book club, Reading Recovery teacher Nancy Andrews, and Art teacher Janet Niklaus.

"The costumes were fantastic!" exclaimed Selina Harley Events Officer for the PTA. "There were the Cat in the Hat, Little Red Riding Hood, Tom Sawyer, Wilbur from Charlotte's Web, Harry Potter, Sponge Bob, Junie B. Jones, and a variety of princesses, as well as many other characters."

In addition to the Best Family Costume, prizes were also given out for Best Homemade Costume, Best Costume from Recycleable Items, and Best Overall Class Year Costume. Prizes included gift certificates from the Bookmart and The Athletic Club for rockwall climbing.

An obvious hit, "It (the parade)," Mrs. DeCouto noted, "will be something the students, parents and teachers look forward to next year."